Q. Does the shelter only care for koalas?
A. The shelter admits and stabilises all types of native wildlife, SAWS however specialises in koals, burn victims, wallabies and endangered species. All other wildlife is transferred to appropriate specialist wildlife carers.
Q. How many injured animals from the January/ February fires did the shelter rehabilitate?
A. Approximately 120 - consisting of koalas, possums, gliders, echidnas and wombats were admitted.
Q. A lot of money was donated because of Sam and the fires so why don't you have enough money to build your hospital?
A. We did over many months receive enough donations, that were made directly to the shelter, to cover our costs and be prepared for this fire season.
Many animals were injured or displaced and needed assistance not just our wildlife.
Q. Can I assist by looking after an injured animal?
A. While the extra hands would be great, you do have to be a registered wildlife carer or Vet nurse as this is specialist care. For further information contact www.dse.vic.gov.au
Q. What kind of assistance can I offer?
A. What we really need at the moment if money. Sorry to be so blunt, but donations of bandages and medical equipment is not required and actually slows our work. We are using specialised materials for these koalas so the best way you can assist is by sending a donation.
Q. How many injured koalas are at the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter?
A. So far 67 koalas form the January/ February 2009 fires have been successfully treated and released. A further 10 fire victims are still in care and will be released by March 2010. The longest stay will have then been over 13 months. In addition to these koalas another 15 are in care, including four orphaned koala joeys.
Q. What is the extent on the koalas injuries?
A. Mainly 3rd degrees burns to paws, ears, pouches, bottoms and eyes.
Q. What is the recovery time for these koalas?
A. A minimum of 4 months to 6 months. Some koalas will be with us for over a year!
Q. What will happen to the koalas when they are recovered?
A. They will be released back into the wild subject to locating suitable habitat.
Q. What other wildlife is at the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter?
A. We have a mother and baby Greater Glider [possum] which is an endangered species. Both mother and baby have suffered severe burns.
Q. What happens to the money I donate?
A. Your donation will be used on veterinary supplies like medical supplies, formula, caging, and for ongoing care costs such as gum collection and laundry costs.. The recovery of koalas can take months, therefore the donations made will be spread over a long period.